Kate Spade's husband denies reports of 'substance abuse, business problems' before designer's death

Kate Spade's husband has denied reports of 'business problems' and 'substance abuse' preceding the fashion designer's death on Tuesday.
Kate, 55, was found in her New York apartment by her housekeeper on Tuesday, with police investigating the death as an apparent suicide.

Her husband of 24 years, Andy Spade, has now released a statement in response to the tragedy and to media speculation surrounding its circumstances.

Kate Spade's colourful designs made her a fashion icon. (AAP)
In the statement, provided to The New York Times, Andy addresses reports of a "suicide note" said to have been left behind for the couple's 13-year-old daughter, Frances Beatrix Spade.

"I have yet to see any note left behind and am appalled that a private message to my daughter has been so heartlessly shared with the media," the businessman writes.

The 55-year-old says his wife and longtime collaborator had suffered from depression and anxiety for a number of years, and was "actively seeking" help from doctors and taking medication for her illnesses.

"We were in touch with her the night before and she sounded happy. There was no indication and no warning that she would do this," he adds.

Andy and Kate Spade, pictured in 2017. (Getty)
In reference to claims Kate had been troubled by recent issues in their relationship, and was "drinking" as a result, Andy explains the couple had been living separately for 10 months but within blocks of one another.

They had continued to co-parent their daughter during this period, and saw one another or spoke "every day".

"We ate many meals together as a family and continued to vacation together as a family," Andy says.

The Spades were not legally separated nor discussing divorce, the statement adds, but "simply needed a break".

Kate Spade's eponymous brand is a fashion industry icon. (AP/AAP)
"We were best friends trying to work through our problems in the best way we knew how," it adds.

Andy describes his wife as "the most beautiful woman in the world", and his best friend of 35 years.

"She was the kindest person I’ve ever known ... My daughter and I are devastated by her loss, and can’t even begin to fathom life without her," he writes.

The Spades sold the Kate Spade New York brand in 2006, launching a new fashion line, Frances Valentine, in 2016.

Kate Spade has been remembered as an 'iconic talent'. (Getty)
Andy Spade's statement comes after Kate's older sister spoke to The Kansas City Star, claiming family members had urged her to seek inpatient treatment for her mental illness.

However, Reta Saffo says the designer was concerned about how this might impact her brand's cheerful image.

“She was definitely worried about what people would say if they found out,” Saffo tells the newspaper via email.
“She was always a very excitable little girl and I felt all the stress/pressure of her brand (KS) may have flipped the switch.”

Kate and Andy Spade were together for 25 years. (Getty)
In a statement, Spade’s family in New York said they were all “devastated” to lose her.

“We loved Kate dearly and will miss her terribly,” it read.
Celebrities have also paid tribute to the beloved designer on social media, remembering her as a “wonderful woman” and “iconic talent”.